Press Releases

Tuesday, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle were inducted into the Miami-Dade Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Women’s Hall of Fame was established by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in 2021 to honor and recognize women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and for all citizens of Miami-Dade County. It has previously honored Julia Tuttle, the “Mother of Miami,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, and Mary Athalie Range, among a few select others. 

“I stand here today, not only as myself, but as a representative of the countless Black women who have fought so long for progress and for justice in our community.” Congresswoman Wilson said in her remarks. “I was raised to fight and to persevere and how to start good trouble. So, from the pioneering suffragists who fought for a woman’s right to vote to the fearless activists who continue to champion civil rights and social justice today, the women of Miami-Dade County have shaped the course of history, but note that our work is far from over. As we celebrate our achievements, we must also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight.”

“To our Congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, you are just a joy. Everything that you do, you do with incredible spirit and determination, and you call out injustice, you fight for our rights, and you’ve represented us since 2011 with dignity and passion,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. “The legacy that you have left improving education, health, jobs, transit, everything, you are part of it, and you are here, and you answer when we call.”

“She is kind but tough and loyal. And she has dedicated her life, not only to serve the community, but particular to young people who may be lost, who are now not lost because of you Frederica, so thank you for your leadership,” Congressman Mario Díaz Balart said.

“The butterfly effects of your service are immeasurable,” Chairman Oliver Gilbert said. “Every child you touched saved probably a spot in the graveyard or incarceration, and I appreciate that.”

Chairman Oliver Gilbert also surprised Congresswoman Wilson, the first Bahamian member of Congress, with a Junkanoo band to perform at the Board of County Commissioners.

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women submits its recommendations to the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners by the end of February. The Chairperson of the Board may add additional recommendations to those received from the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women. The Chairperson shall then forward no fewer than five recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners may then select, by ballot during the next available regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting, up to three persons from the recommendations for membership to the Miami-Dade County Women’s Hall of Fame.

For more information on the Women’s Hall of Fame, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/government/commission/womens-hall-of-fame.page.

This ceremony was part of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commission meeting, which was live-streamed at https://www.miamidade.gov/global/webcasting/home.page.

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